Counsellors Need Master’s Degrees. Good Intentions Are Not Enough.

Here is information about counselling in BC in 2024:

• Counselling is NOT regulated so there are no education requirements or standards.
• ANYONE can call themself a counsellor, including you.
• If you choose a “counsellor” who does not have a master’s degree your receipt may not be reimbursed by your benefits provider because most insurers require a master’s degree.

What you don’t know can hurt you.

When you or your child are struggling and need mental health support, you deserve a competent and well-trained professional who has attained an advanced degree, is registered with a professional association which requires that they follow a code of ethical conduct, carry insurance, use evidence-based practices and consistently upgrade their training. You have the right to know this before counselling starts. Ethical counsellors have a responsibility to disclose their level of education and qualification before counselling begins.

Be sure your counsellor has at least a master’s degree and additional professional training before you book the first session.

The province of BC has acknowledged that unregulated counselling practices go against public safety. Recently, Counselling was designated as a designated profession which is the first step towards regulation in the name of public safety. Read more about the College of Health Professionals of BC which, once established next year, will require all counsellors to have a master’s degree among many other stipulations.

Read the following link for more important information:

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/british-columbia-designates-psychotherapy-under-the-health-professions-act-878932403.html